Honda Passport Lemon Law

A consistent delayed and harsh engagement upon shifting into gear is not a normal warm-up characteristic and can constitute a substantial defect under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. If the condition impairs the use, value, or safety of your Passport and the dealer cannot resolve it after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may have a valid lemon law claim. Document the issue by noting the ambient temperature, duration of delay, and severity of the jolt at each occurrence.

Water leaks that cause interior damage and potentially affect electronic components such as the gauge cluster represent a defect that substantially impairs both the use and value of your Passport. Under the Song-Beverly Act, this type of recurring water intrusion is a strong basis for a lemon law claim, especially if it risks electrical system failures. Keep detailed records of each leak occurrence and take photographs of water stains and damage for evidence.

A recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA and is separate from your lemon law rights under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. The absence of a recall for your transmission problem does not weaken your lemon law claim. Any defect covered under the manufacturer's express warranty that substantially impairs your vehicle qualifies, regardless of whether it has been the subject of a recall or Technical Service Bulletin.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if you prevail in your lemon law claim, Honda is required by law to pay your reasonable attorney fees and costs. This means most California lemon law attorneys take these cases on a contingency basis with no upfront cost to you. You should not have to pay any legal fees out of pocket, and you still receive the full refund or replacement value without deduction for attorney fees.